Who was last Bears rookie QB to start?

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the last Bears rookie quarterback to start a game, how Mitchell Trubisky fared in his first start in college and if the Bears plan to address their receiver position.

Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.

Who was the last rookie quarterback to start a game for the Bears?

Eddie P.Libertyville, Illinois

Monday night at Soldier Field, Mitchell Trubisky will become the first rookie quarterback to start for the Bears since Kyle Orton opened 15 games in 2005. Selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the draft out of Purdue, Orton was anointed the starter after Rex Grossman broke his ankle in the preseason. Chad Hutchinson was originally slated to replace Grossman, but Hutchinson struggled in the preseason and was released. Powered by an excellent defense and special-teams unit, the Bears remained ultra-conservative on offense, recording wins in games that season in which Orton passed for 150, 117, 145, 137, 67, 136, 134 and 68 yards.

How did Mitchell Trubisky do in his first start at North Carolina?

Phil G.Evansville, Indiana

In the first start of his college career last Sept. 3, Mitchell Trubisky completed 24 of 40 passes for 156 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a loss to Georgia. The following week he connected on 19 of 24 passes for 265 yards with two TDs and no interceptions and also rushed for 42 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Illinois. Over the next three games, Trubisky threw for 432, 453 and 405 yards in wins over James Madison, Pittsburgh and Florida State, respectively, tossing a combined 11 TD passes and no interceptions.

Do you see the Bears making any moves to bolster their receiver position this week?

Daniel L.Rockford, Illinois

Well, they made one on Monday, promoting receiver Tre McBride from the practice squad to the active roster. McBride originally joined the Bears Sept. 3 when he was claimed off waivers from the Titans. He appeared in nine games the past two seasons with Tennessee, catching two passes for eight yards and averaging 19.0 yards on 10 kickoff returns. I’m sure that general manager Ryan Pace will continue to look to upgrade the position, but he does that across the board. The problem is that there are few if any players available at this point of the season who are capable of joining your active roster and becoming a regular contributor.